Anion responsive and morphology tunable tripodal gelators

Abstract

We report the syntheses and characterization of three isomers of trisamide tripodal derivatives. All these compounds act as low-molecular-weight gelators and the variation of the gel morphology with respect to the solvent combination has been analysed. The anion binding studies revealed that these tris-amide derivatives also act as suitable receptors for appropriate analytes. In this work, we have explored the role of geometry or extent of receptor–anion interaction on the gel architecture in the presence of anions such as F⁻, CN⁻, CH₃COO⁻ and H₂PO₄⁻. We have discussed the anion responsive gel formation of one isomer after incorporation of anions in the solution phase as well as into the gel morphology.